It takes 14 laps around the indoor track at the Central YMCA
to reach a mile. Not only does the short distance make for a tedious run, the
camber of the track can make it hard on the legs. It’s only if you can secure
the inside loop (and have strong math skills) that a run can be anything close
to enjoyable.
So on days that I’ve found myself relegated indoors to log
my miles, I head from the locker room straight to my favorite treadmill – the
second from the left, first row, right under the TV that plays Rachael Ray.
But as I walk past the track, I see him. Him. I don’t know
his name, much less his story, but I know his face. I recognize gait, even out
of the corner of my eye. I can see his salt-and-pepper hair bounce as he takes
a step. His cotton T-shirt tucked into his basketball shorts.
Every morning, it seems, he is there running loop after loop
on the track. He keeps a steady pace as he goes for at least an hour – I’ve
never seen him start.
And, I have never, ever seen him stop.
There are people, I am sure, who would be keen to tell him
that he needed to, though. From his posture to the way his feet hit the rubber
of the track, one can assume that he has challenges. While running isn’t easy
for any of us, he has a harder time. Some people might tell him that he doesn’t
need to put the stress on his body. He should take it easy.
But he’s there, day after day, and he inspires me each time
that I see him to #LiveUnlimited. Because the ability and freedom to do
everyday things like run, walk, hug, talk and breathe are not to be taken for
granted.
Now through July 31, the Muscular Dystrophy Association
wants to spread the word about the families who live with MD, ALS
and other muscle-debilitating diseases who do amazing things and show us how to
live unlimited. Each day is one in which they overcome challenges, doubts and
obstacles but they don’t let those things limit them.
They #LiveUnlimited.
In honor of the campaign, you can go to MDA .org/LiveUnlimited
and create a custom graphic to show you #LiveUnlimited. If you share it on
social media, a generous sponsor will donate $1 to MDA
up to $30,000.
That’s not all, though. The MDA
has teamed up with Endorphin Warrior, which created this rad #LiveUnlimitedbracelet. Endorphin Warrior will donate $6 to MDA
for every bracelet sold.
Do you want to break free? The MDA
and Endorphin Warrior want to inspire you to #LiveUnlimited and as a thank you
for sharing this campaign, I have a bracelet to share with a reader. The
bracelet, with a brown leather band and silver plate, is a size medium (7.5).
Enter using the widget below.
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